LAPAROSCOPIC OBSERVATION OF RETROPERITONEAL CYSTIC LYMPHANGIOMA

A case of retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma observed laparoscopicall y is reported. In a 60 year old asymptomatic male patient, an 8 cm mul ti-loculated cystic lesion was detected incidentally near the splenic hilum with ultrasonography. Endosonography, computed tomography and ma gnetic resonance imaging revealed the lesion with thin wall and clear fluid. Laparoscopy showed a thin-walled cyst with smooth surface, and straw-coloured clear fluid was observed through the wall. These findin gs suggested benign aetiology, and seemed to be characteristic of cyst ic lymphangioma. The tumour was resected, and microscopic examination showed proliferated lymph channels intespersed by lymph follicles. Dia gnosis of cystic lymphangioma was established. Laparoscopy seems a use ful pre-operative method.